Early 1700s pistol

This early 1700s pistol from the collection of The Mariners' Museum is similar to the one used by Virginia Gov. Francis Nicholson in a 1700 battle with pirates off Lynnhaven Inlet.

This early 1700s pistol from the collection of The Mariners' Museum is similar to the one used by Virginia Gov. Francis Nicholson in a 1700 battle with pirates off Lynnhaven Inlet. (Courtesy of The Mariners' Museum)

This early 1700s pistol from the collection of The Mariners' Museum is similar to the one used by Virginia Gov. Francis Nicholson in a 1700 battle with pirates off Lynnhaven Inlet.